Systems for capturing three-dimensional one or more images and methods thereof

Abstract

Methods and systems for three-dimensional imaging include sampling one or more emissions which are reflected back from a target scene with one or more micro-channel plates. The one or more sampled emissions are processed in one or more frames. Within each frame a phase is extracted and a distance to the target scene and amplitude is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. A three dimensional image of the target scene is generated and provided based on the extracted phase and the determined distance and amplitude for the one or more frames.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 839,382, filed on Aug. 22, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for imaging and, more particularly, to systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging of a three-dimensional target scene.BACKGROUND[0003]In the most basic embodiment, three-dimensional imaging consists of capturing one additional spatial coordinate, i.e. object range or distance from the imaging system, as compared to conventional two-dimensional imaging. While two-dimensional electronic imaging has been in existence for over forty years, and radio ranging has been in existence for approximately eighty years, the ability to quickly, easily and effectively capture three-dimensional images, based on a marriage of any two-dimensional imaging and ranging technologies has as of yet been unsuccessful.[0004]This dis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Accordingly, the present invention is able to capture three-dimensional images in color or monochromatic quickly, economically, and with high spatial resolution. Additionally, the present invention is simple to manufacture and easy to use and provides a three-dimensional imaging system that is compact in design.

Problems solved by technology

While two-dimensional electronic imaging has been in existence for over forty years, and radio ranging has been in existence for approximately eighty years, the ability to quickly, easily and effectively capture three-dimensional images, based on a marriage of any two-dimensional imaging and ranging technologies has as of yet been unsuccessful.

This disappointing lack of a successful three-dimensional image capturing technology is due in large part to the demands the operators place on such a device.

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